MUSCATINE – The Greater Muscatine Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GMCCI) looked back on a successful 2025 and forward to more wins in 2026 at the GMCCI Annual Meeting & Recognition night Thursday, March 26, at the Merrill Hotel.
“We are extremely thankful for each and every one of our members. There were many accomplishments in 2025 and in 2026, we will strive to make this year amazing,” GMCCI President and CEO Brad Bark told the crowd of 350 guests.
“Our mission, at GMCCI, is to be a catalyst for advancing our region’s economy, improving our quality of life, and enhancing our member’s success,” said Mr. Bark, who also is the mayor of Muscatine.
The evening’s agenda included recognition for membership milestones, a change in board leadership, the annual awards as well as celebrating the achievements of GMCCI staff. The program also included comedian and mentalist Arthur Fratelli as as the keynote speaker.
Alyshea Gow, 2025 GMCCI board chair, passed the gavel to 2026 Chair Dena Brockhouse, the director of HR operations at KENT Worldwide.
The chamber also presented these annual awards:
- Young Professional of the Year, Meghan Hartman.
- Chamber Ambassador of the Year, Chelsea Harms.
- Volunteer of the Year, Tony Loconsole.
- Small Business of the Year, Cord Kleist of Skinny’s Barbeque.
In addition, Muscatine-based KENT Worldwide was presented with the Presidential Award and the Howe Family received the chamber’s Legacy Award.
Event sponsors included: Platinum Sponsors: CBI Bank & Trust, GSTC Logistics, Hahn Ready Mix, HNI Corporation, KENT Worldwide, and Milestone Construction Group; and Gold Sponsors: AFC Industries, Bayer, Community Bank & Trust, Ed Morse Automotive Group, MPW, Musco Lighting, SSAB, Stanley Consultants and UnityPoint Trinity Muscatine.
